SheJumps x AAI | Intro to Backcountry Touring | Stevens Pass, WA

When you register, please note "SheJumps Ski Touring Skills''' in the "Notes for Program Staff" section. This page is intended only to promote the event. This course costs $600.

Course dates: 3/7/26-3/8/26

Course cost: $600

Please note that the course cost does not include guide gratuities. You are under no obligation to tip the guides, but 10-15% of the course cost is highly recommended. The guides pool tips and accept cash or Venmo.

Who needs lift lines? The possibilities for backcountry skiing/riding in Washington State are endless and limited only by technical skills, knowledge, and desire for adventure. AAI’s world-class guide staff and local experts are ready to pass along the knowledge essential to safely earn your turns in good style. With a low guide-to-student ratio, we have ample time to cover the ins and outs of how to efficiently move through backcountry terrain while maximizing the fun factor (i.e. downhill runs in untracked powder). This course will help you dial in your tour planning and execution for future adventures.

In the Alpine Ascents Intro to Touring, students spend two full field days learning and applying all the skills of a proficient backcountry traveler. Skinning efficiently uphill, tour planning, and applying the avalanche forecast to terrain are a few of the key fundamentals taught and practiced. Our guides will also coach students on staying warm and dry while managing the extremes of tough physical effort and cold winter conditions. Throughout the course, we integrate an understanding of avalanche hazard into the bigger equation of having a fun and safe day of backcountry skiing and snowboarding.

Dedicated AIARE Level 1 courses focus specifically on understanding avalanches, using the avalanche forecast, and anticipating and avoiding avalanche hazard in the backcountry, but do not cover the other skills necessary for backcountry safety and success. This two-day seminar is a great companion course to AIARE Level 1 and will focus on how to apply the avalanche forecast to the terrain, allowing skiers/riders to safely find the best snow in the backcountry. Planning for and avoiding avalanche hazard is an integral part of every day in the backcountry, so it is a primary point of planning in our morning team meetings.

• Plan for travel in backcountry terrain utilizing avalanche forecasts, weather forecasts, maps, and other resources
• Apply the avalanche forecast and danger rating to terrain in the field
• Plan a backcountry descent with team members
• Read terrain and find the best snow conditions
• Learn to spot and avoid common avalanche trigger points
• Analyze terrain (slope angle, aspect, terrain hazards)
• Use and maintain backcountry skiing and snowboarding equipment
• Practice self-care and layering in the winter backcountry environment
• Use beacon, shovel, and probe in avalanche rescue scenarios
• Develop uphill travel techniques including skinning, track setting, and kick turning
• Hone downhill movement skills for powder skiing, navigate challenging snow conditions
• Increase efficiency in transitions between uphill and downhill travel

• Learn to use your gear before your course
• Rescue-learn to rescue
• AIARE 1-learn a backcountry risk management process
• Intro to Touring-putting it all together
• Rescue-(keep refreshing!)
• AIARE 2-learn tools to take your skills to new locations, new snowpacks, or lead groups

Prerequisites : This course backcountry course is open to any physically fit enthusiast with previous experience backcountry skiing/riding. Skiers/splitboarders should be able to comfortably ski black diamond terrain (off-piste) in a variety of snow conditions with a 25lb backpack. Participants must be able to actively take care of themselves and stay comfortable for a full day out in winter conditions with appropriate clothing, hydration, and fueling.

• Learn to use your gear before your course
• Rescue: learn to rescue
• AIARE 1: learn a backcountry risk management process
• Intro to Touring: putting it all together
• Rescue: keep refreshing!
• AIARE 2: learn tools to take your skills to new locations, new snowpacks, or lead groups

Course cost: $600

Please note that the course cost does not include guide gratuities. You are under no obligation to tip the guides, but 10-15% of the course cost is highly recommended. The guides pool tips and accept cash or Venmo.

If you need to request any accommodation(s) for this course, please contact our guide partner.

Questions? Contact Alicia Mau at

Waivers & Wellness

All participants must sign the prior to participating in this event.

Spanish version of our waiver: Todos los participantes deben firmar la antes de participar en este evento.

To prioritize the health of our community, please do not attend a SheJumps event if you are experiencing any cold-like symptoms.

Cancellation Policy

This course is led by our guide partner, and registration takes place directly through their website. This course follows the guide company’s cancellation policy. Please contact our guide partner if you have any questions about cancellations.

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SheJumps increases the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities to foster confidence, leadership, and connection to nature and community through free and low-cost outdoor education.

SheJumps is an inclusive organization. We welcome all women and girls—transgender and cisgender, as well as non-binary people.

SheJumps strives to fight against racism and acknowledges that our events and programs take place on traditional, unceded Indigenous lands.

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